Souths were the young Cowboys’ last conquerors, that 34-18 victory in Townsville built on raw power.

Since that game in April, the Cowboys have amassed seven wins and a draw to be sitting outright second on the National Youth Competition ladder on 25 points, three shy of defending champs Penrith.

In-form centre Nathan Traill, despite being named in the team on Tuesday, has now been ruled out of the match after concerns he may have broken his arm in the win over Manly proved justified. The young flyer will miss several weeks of footy. His place in the centres will be taken by the versatile Cody Maughan.

Aaron Payne’s young charges are one of only two teams to have scored over 500 points this season. The NQ boys are at 516, while Penrith have 576.